Springfield Public Schools has some of the brightest, most studious and goal-focused students in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These are the students who you will not see on the evening news. They are not known on the basketball court or football field. They may not be on the student council or speak out in School Committee meetings.

       These are the thousands of students who come to school every day and quietly go about the business of learning. They have the potential to be our future chemists, mechanics, journalists, doctors, nurses, teachers, mechanics, entrepreneurs, pilots, gardeners, medical assistants and more.

 

This column is for them.

       Students, you have a great opportunity before you. The best thing about your future is that YOU have the power to make it what you want it to be. There are many programs, teachers and counselors within our school district to help prepare you with the tools, knowledge and experiences you will need to further your educational and career goals. Did you know, for example, that there are certain high school courses available to you that will help increase your chances of being accepted into college or that there is a SAT preparation program that you can take – for free? Even outside of school, there are many community programs available to help you in many different ways.

       The key for you is finding these resources and taking full advantage of them. If you don’t know where to go for additional help, then I suggest you begin reading. You will find a lot of useful information in the brochures and bulletins placed throughout your school. I realize that our school system is not perfect. There is much room for improvement and I am working hard every day to lead those changes. But I also know that each and every one of us is responsible for taking ownership of our own lives. Some of you may face harder challenges than others. Some of you remain strong and focused under circumstances that would have caused others to give up on their future. Remain strong and stay positive in the areas of your life that you control.

       You will also learn about opportunities that may benefit your life by reading the newspaper and also in books written by or about people who you personally admire. Autobiographies often offer great insight and wisdom.

       Seek opportunities to learn and grow. As you learn about new opportunities, tell your friends about them also.

       I was recently reminded of the value in sharing information when I read “A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring” by Basketball Hall of Famer John Wooden. In his autobiography, Wooden writes: “Everything we know, we learned from someone else.” So remember: you are not only a receiver of help, but also a giver.

       With just about three months left of this school year, I simply want to encourage our many, many students who are quietly doing the right thing -- going to school every day, respecting their teachers, adults and themselves; you who without fanfare study for tests; try your best and, in doing so, plant the seeds for a vibrant, productive, healthy and happy future.

       Keep up the good work! n